Asian leaders reveal favorite songs for `British Broadcasting Corp.' poll

Asian leaders reveal favorite songs for `British Broadcasting Corp.' poll

Associated Press, London

Malaysia's prime minister is a Frank Sinatra fan, while the
leader of the Philippines prefers the Carpenters.

East Asian leaders' favorite songs were revealed on Thursday
by the British Broadcasting Corp. as part of a survey to find the
world's best-loved tunes.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad and Indonesian
President Megawati Soekarnoputri both chose Sinatra's My Way,
which Megawati praised as "full of determination."

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo chose The Carpenters' I
Have You, while Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he
liked to hear Elvis Presley croon Love Me Tender.

Mongolian President Natsagiin Bagabandi selected The Beatles'
Let it Be, while East Timorese President Xanana Gusmao was
sustained during seven years of imprisonment in Indonesia by
Mariah Carey's Hero.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, a well-known Elvis
fan, likes to listen to Ennio Morricone's moody score for Once
Upon a Time in America.

While western pop songs dominated the list, South Korean
President Kim Dae-Jung chose a song from his own country,
Pioneer.

The BBC World Service says it has received votes from 112
countries in its campaign to find the world's favorite songs.

The leader so far is an Indian song, Rakkamma Kaiya Thattu,
followed by Cliff Richard's We Don't Talk Anymore and Cher's
Believe. The Beatles have more songs nominated than any other
group.

The results will be announced on Dec. 21.